Your Say: Catherine Emerson On Diversity
Catherine Emerson
Head of Marketing & Strategy, ‘it’s no secret’ Podcast Co-Host
Diversity in the workplace is… not only about how people look or identify, but about having diversity of thought. Great ideas and innovation come from having a broad variety of views, so we can challenge one another and collectively be better.
I’d name my autobiography… Always a Melbournian.
To me success means… having the time and resources to do the things I love, with the people that mean the most to me.
Best advice I’ve been given… not everyone needs to be a founder or have the great idea; there’s exceptional value in providing the skillset, energy and support to those people to make ideas a reality.
I made my first dollar: At a hairdressers, cleaning the salon.
The most rewarding part of my job… Talking to people that have made the decision to invest, knowing I’ve played a small role in building their financial confidence and getting them towards their goals.
Life motto: If it’s not ‘heck yeah’, then it’s a no (stolen from Derek Sivers, minus the swear word).
Favourite book: Equal tie between Tuesdays with Morrie and The 5 People You Meet In Heaven.
My goals for the next 12 months are… To not get too caught up in hustle culture; actually say no to things and set time aside for myself.
The women who inspire me: Those in my cheer squad doing great things in their own lives every day. Also Glennon Doyle and Sallie Krawcheck.
The gender stereotype I can’t stand: That women are bad with money or frivolous spenders and that men should be the family CFO.
We need pay equality because… Women live longer than men and although females typically steer the day-to-day finances, they don’t have much say in long-term wealth planning. Having pay equality is foundational to ensuring women are set up for the financial future they want.
I advocate for change by… making small contributions in areas where I can, which for me is financial literacy and education around money.
The change I want to see in the next 12 months is… more females feeling empowered with their financial decisions, investing and looking after their KiwiSaver.
